Woman jailed for killing pensioner

A woman who bludgeoned a pensioner to death has been jailed for life.

Karen Williamson has been jailed for the murder of 86-year-old Jean Jobson [PA]

Karen Williamson, 46, was told she will spend a minimum of 24 years in prison for the horrific attack on 86-year-old Jean Jobson, who was known as Pat.

She arrived at Mrs Jobson's house in Downham, south-east London late at night in February last year and beat her with a hammer and a heavy glass jug

Judge Paul Worsley QC told her: "You stand to be sentenced for the brutal murder of an 86-year-old widow who lived on her own. No doubt those remaining years for her were very precious. You took them from her.

"Pat Jobson was an independent, alert, caring member of the community much loved by her family.

"The attack which you carried out was frenzied and brutal. Pat Jobson, despite her age, put up a valiant fight against you."

He said she had carried out the violent attack in order to steal - days after the murder Williamson sold jewellery belonging to Mrs Jobson for a "paltry £61" the court heard.

The judge continued: "It was a murder of a vulnerable 86-year-old woman who was in the sanctity and privacy of her home where she deserved to be able to think that she would be safe. She was not."

As she was led away, Williamson called out: "I'm sorry."

Williamson, from Downham, had previously faced trial at the Old Bailey for the murder, but proceedings collapsed. She then changed her plea three days into the current trial.